BEAUTY & GRACE
As I embarked on the creation of the Beauty & Grace Collection, which completed the map I began with the New Genesis collection and followed by the Delight Collection, I was guided by Toni Morrison's quote, "Beauty was not simply something to behold, it was something one could do.”
I reflected on my Sacred Geometry Collection, which I created a few months before the pandemic, and drew inspiration from the geometric shapes found in nature, sacred structures, and symbols that serve as the building blocks of creation.
The Flow Collection, which was my first pandemic creation, was inspired by my reconnection to nature. My move to the countryside allowed me to surround myself with trees, flowers, the lake, and the earth, which grounded me and began to heal my mind, body, and spirit. Next came the New Genesis Collection, in which I aimed to create a map of the new world we were entering. I used materials that reminded us of the elements earth, water, air, and fire and included affirmations that reminded us of our divine selves.
The Delight Collection focused on the energy of delight and how it could serve as a source of joy in the face of the world's negativity.
Before starting the Beauty & Grace Collection, I went through a self-imposed detox from overworking, lack of sleep, and burnout, which had been patterns that followed me since high school. I emerged with a clear understanding that self-care is vital. I am proud to say that I have developed healthy habits that keep my mind, body, and spirit in balance. With this renewed energy, I found my way back to the circle, a symbol of unity, wholeness, and infinity. Plato's quote, "Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity," resonated with me.
Of course, simplicity does not mean easy. One has to be precise and rigorous and illuminate anything that is not necessary. I thought about the work of the artists Agnes Martin and Donald Judd and how they sought autonomy and clarity in their creations. Their works convey a sense of peace and purity of art and design. That inspired me.
The core of my artistic practice revolves around hand weaving - a technique that I use consistently throughout my work, ranging from the most intricate to the most minimalist pieces. Hand weaving holds a deep connection to my ancestral roots, and I view it as a crucial element in my creative process. My dedication to refining my weaving skills is unwavering, as I aim to achieve a level of mastery that is as close to perfection as possible. The Beauty & Grace Collection features hand-woven collars, necklaces, earrings, ear cuffs, and bracelets that convey luminous textures. I encourage you to mix and match pieces to create your unique expression of beauty and grace.
Accompanied by my first art installation in Japan, this collection represents an invitation to embrace beauty and grace, spark joy, and move through this new world with positivity. Beauty is something we can do, and I look forward to reuniting with you in person and exploring what we can create together.
One love,
Simon